Disabled struggling to access healthcare, study shows

Almost 70% of disabled individuals in Greece faced moderate or severe challenges accessing healthcare in the last two years, a new study presented on Monday by the National Confederation of Persons with Disabilities (ESAmeA) reveals.

Conducted among 2,696 participants with disabilities or chronic conditions, the survey highlights systemic problems in healthcare access.

Key findings show that  39.5% were denied medical care and 40.1% did not carry out necessary diagnostic tests due to cost, inadequate insurance or lengthy wait times.

Notably, 68.3% cited financial barriers, while 34.8% pointed to long waiting lists. Accessibility issues plague 70%, with many reporting difficulties entering facilities or using restrooms.

Respondents rated public health services at just 5.2/10, citing delays and staff shortages.

"We sought to capture the lived...